At the final whistle of last Sunday's All-Ireland SFC final, Dublin midfielder Brian Fenton shared a poignant moment with his family.

The 22 year old's mother Marian passed away two years ago, and speaking to The Irish Independent, he recalled: "It was an emotional time.

"I met Dad and my family at the final whistle, I was thinking of Mam, thinking of her always."

Despite having failed to make the cut at minor level, Fenton enjoyed a meteoric rise to the top in his debut year in the sky blue jersey which culminated in the final's 'man-of-the-match' award.

He also remembered Dave Billings who had helped to nurture his talent when he was studying physiotherapy at UCD.

"He definitely looked after me in UCD. He'd always have that little bit of advice for you to add to your game.

"Dave was a true, true inspiration, along with Brian Mullins, there in UCD as well. I couldn't speak highly enough of the lads."

Raheny club-mate Ciaran Whelan was Fenton's childhood hero.

"Everyone in the club wanted to be 'Whelo' and for him to never play in a final and never win an All-Ireland is tragic really for the player that he was.

"So we won't take this for granted."

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